Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 15:1, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
American Standard Version
A soft answer turneth away wrath; But a grievous word stirreth up anger.
World English Bible version
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1 Meaning & Commentary
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. – Proverbs 15:1 (ESV)
One of the most challenging yet essential skills to learn is ‘people skills.’ This is one of the most valuable skills a person can possess. One of the most popular self-help books ever sold is ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People,’ which has sold over 30 million copies – a testament to how desperate people are to ‘win with people.’
This verse in Proverbs 15:1 gives us some great advice on how to ‘win’ with people. The first part of the verse says that a ‘soft answer turns away wrath. The word ‘wrath’ here is the Hebrew word ‘chemah,’ which can also be translated as anger or rage. So, simply put – The Bible gives us some wisdom here on dealing with a person when they are angry or in a state of rage. The wise response is “a soft answer.” So often, we are tempted to fight fire with fire when faced with an angry person. We can be tempted to feel personally attacked when someone comes to us in anger and rage. However, how we respond can either ‘throw gasoline on the fire’ or ‘diffuse the situation.’
By responding with a soft answer – IE: in a kind manner, we can ‘turn away wrath’ or ‘diffuse the situation.’ However, when we respond opposite to a ‘soft answer’ – IE: with a harsh word, we stir up anger in the other person we are engaged with. This verse can be a lesson learned and applied both ways – meaning that if someone approaches us in anger, we can choose to respond lovingly.
Or, if we are tempted to approach someone else in anger and discontent for whatever reason, we need to know that a harsh word spoken by us can cause the anger and rage inside the other person to ‘bubble forth’ and cause a situation to become more serious and volatile than it needs to be!
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 15:1 to our lives?
One central theme in the book of Proverbs is the power of the tongue and our words. I believe the reason this is constantly set forth as a reminder is because of how important it is. We need to remember that our words carry life to either bring about death or life in our lives: Proverbs 18:21 – Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
The New Testament even teaches us that our words can bring curses upon other people – this is how powerful they are: James 3:10 – From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Another aspect of words is seen in today’s Proverb, similar to what we see elsewhere: Proverbs 18:6 – A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.
Self-defense experts will tell you that your best method to diffuse a volatile situation is your mouth. Playing the ‘tough guy’ is never a good idea, and neither is engaging in a ‘verbal fight’ either. The best way is to avoid a potentially explosive situation altogether until your temper has subsided. If we are faced with a situation that we cannot avoid, we should listen as long as possible and then speak: James 1:19 – Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. Then, when we speak – we must endeavor to offer a ‘soft answer’ or speak words that will diffuse or calm the situation:
Proverbs 15:4 – A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. We can not only ‘disarm’ a person of wrath and anger by speaking the right words at the right time – we can even bring forth life in that person’s life! We need to remind ourselves that we are ambassadors of God, and as such – we need to represent Him to every person we encounter: 2 Corinthians 5:20 – Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
Prayer
Mighty God, I thank You for challenging me with Your Word again. Please forgive me for where I have returned evil for evil with my words.
Help me control my tongue and speak as an ambassador of Jesus Christ wherever I am. I pray for Your kingdom to come and Your will to be done in every area of my life. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
